The Federal Government is seeking a fresh $500m loan from the World Bank to establish an infrastructure financing platform, with approval proposed for May 25, 2027, just four days before the inauguration of Nigeria’s next president.

The proposed borrowing comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising questions about the timing of new financial commitments and their implications for the incoming administration.

According to the World Bank’s Initial Project Information Document obtained by The PUNCH, the proposed facility is part of a broader $3.85bn infrastructure financing initiative aimed at attracting private investment into critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The initiative, identified as the Nigeria Infrastructure Financing and De-Risking Platform for Growth and Jobs (INFRAGROW), is designed to address the country’s infrastructure financing deficit and improve the mobilisation of private capital.

The document, prepared and updated on November 4, 2026, lists the Federal Ministry of Finance as the borrower, while the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority will serve as the implementing agency.

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The World Bank has scheduled the project’s technical design review for January 21, 2027, while May 25, 2027, has been proposed as its approval date.

Nigeria’s presidential inauguration is constitutionally scheduled for May 29, 2027, following the expiration of President Bola Tinubu’s current four-year tenure.

This means the proposed loan could receive approval in the final days of the current administration, although approval would not automatically translate into immediate disbursement or implementation.

The financing proposal has yet to receive approval, and the World Bank’s timetable remains subject to change.

The document estimates Nigeria’s annual infrastructure financing gap at approximately $100bn, identifying inadequate investment and weak project preparation as major constraints to economic growth.

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It stated, “Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap, estimated at approx. $100bn annually, remains a binding constraint on growth, fiscal sustainability, competitiveness, and job creation.”

The bank noted that the challenge extended beyond insufficient funding to the difficulty of converting available capital into commercially viable infrastructure projects.

It added that closing the gap would require an integrated approach involving proper project preparation, risk-mitigation instruments and targeted sectoral reforms.

The proposed $500m World Bank facility comprises $400m from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $100m from the International Development Association.

The broader $3.85bn financing structure is expected to include contributions from the government, private investors, commercial lenders and guarantees designed to attract additional investment.

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Under the arrangement, the NSIA is expected to contribute $200m in equity as a founding shareholder, while private sector investors are projected to provide another $200m.

Commercial debt financing is estimated at $600m, alongside other financing and guarantee arrangements.

The World Bank document also identifies $100m in IDA payment guarantees and $2.25bn in guarantees from other international financial institutions, bringing guarantee-related financing arrangements to $2.35bn.

The proposed platform will operate through four independently governed subsidiaries, each designed to address specific obstacles to infrastructure investment.

The first, the Project Preparation Facility, will finance feasibility studies, transaction structuring, risk assessments and procurement support to transform infrastructure proposals into investment-ready projects.

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The second, the Viability Gap Fund, will support economically important projects that cannot generate sufficient commercial returns while maintaining affordable tariffs or sustainable government payments.

According to the document, the proposed endowment model would preserve the fund’s capital base while financing viability-gap support primarily through investment returns.

The third subsidiary, the Risk Capital Facility, will provide equity and other forms of patient capital to commercially viable infrastructure projects that struggle to attract investors willing to take on higher risks.

The fourth, the Credit Guarantee Vehicle, will provide guarantees against specified credit defaults, public-sector payment failures and political risks affecting eligible foreign investments.

The World Bank said the interventions were intended to encourage participation by commercial banks, pension funds, insurance companies and other institutional investors.

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The project will also support reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions responsible for identifying, preparing, procuring and supervising public-private partnership projects.

Its implementation will be divided into four components covering institutional development, project preparation, financing mobilisation and improvements to the regulatory environment.

The first component will finance staffing, professional advisory services, statutory fees and operational infrastructure, with disbursements linked to measurable institutional milestones.

The second will support project preparation and financial viability, while the third will activate the risk capital and credit guarantee facilities.

The fourth component will strengthen government capacity to manage infrastructure partnerships and their associated fiscal risks.

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The World Bank described the proposed INFRAGROW project as an institution-building and private capital mobilisation initiative intended to expand sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The project will also involve the International Finance Corporation as a prospective co-investor, alongside the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, which is expected to provide political risk insurance.

However, the World Bank has classified the proposed project’s environmental and social risks as high, particularly because the financing platform could support major infrastructure developments in the energy, transport and water sectors.

It warned that such investments could result in land acquisition, displacement of communities, environmental damage, occupational hazards and other social consequences.

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Ebonyi State is still awaiting the arrival of three aircraft Governor Nwifuru reportedly paid for about two years ago.

The governor had promised the arrival of the aircraft years back but as at the time of this report not even one aircraft has landed to start the proposed Ebonyi Air.

This is even as Enugu Air which is taking over the Nigeria Airspace has secured regulatory approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick in December 2026, with bookings for the international route now open.

The state-owned airline announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing the approval as a major milestone in its international expansion and efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Lagos-London Gatwick service will be operated in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA), which has been appointed as the designated operating partner for the route.

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“Enugu Air has received approval for its Lagos-London Gatwick route, with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA) appointed as the designated operator under a strategic partnership.

“Bookings are now open, and flights will commence in December 2026,” the statement said.

For an airport that has refused to function the governor may have decided to change the narrative but for some reasons the project may have gone the way of the Vanco flyover which has become a burden to the government.

While the former governor Dave Umahi completed flyover projects in less than one year, Governor Nwifuru has failed to deliver just one in more than three years.

As Enugu Air goes to the United Kingdom, Ebonyi people are whispering the question in hushed tones for fear of the unknown; “when will the planes arrive?

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Meanwhile, Enugu Air described the latest development as a significant step towards expanding its international operations, improving passenger connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade and investment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

It also credited Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic aviation agenda, saying his administration’s vision was positioning Enugu as an emerging gateway for international connectivity, investment, tourism and economic growth.

The announcement comes barely six weeks after Enugu Air operated its maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon, on September 23, 2026.

Launched in July 2025 with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft comprising the E170 and E190 series, the airline was established as part of the Mbah administration’s integrated plan to develop a modern, multimodal transport system.

The initiative is also aimed at positioning Enugu as a major aviation hub in West and Central Africa.

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Since its launch, Enugu Air has expanded its fleet and route network, with the latest regulatory approval representing another step in its international expansion drive.

No wonder the Ebonyi governor took the whole time given to him at the recent APC rally in Enugu to praise the developmental magic Governor Peter Mbah is doing. The governor could not name one project he was able to deliver for his people.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the deployment of four new Commissioners of Police to Enugu, Plateau, Nasarawa and Ondo states.

Among the newly deployed officers is CP Fidelis Ogarabe, who has been appointed Commissioner of Police for Enugu State.

Ogarabe was formerly the Commissioner of Police in charge of the INTERPOL Annex, Lagos.

Other officers affected by the deployment include CP Sunday J. A. Okoebor, formerly Commissioner of Police, Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, who has been posted to Plateau State.

CP Sheikh Mohammed Danko, formerly Commissioner of Police, Force Intelligence Annex, Lagos, has been deployed to Nasarawa State, while CP Johnson Ayodeji Babalola, formerly of the Special Inquiry Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, has been posted to Ondo State.

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The appointments followed a series of interviews conducted by the commission to assess the officers’ fitness, competence and suitability for their new responsibilities.

The deployment was approved on Thursday at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, Police Service Commission Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the commission’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Kalu, the PSC said the appointments were made in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

The Chairman of the commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, said the appointments were consistent with Section 215(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the commission’s authority in the appointment of Commissioners of Police for the states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Argungu, who was represented by a board member, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (JSC, rtd.), said the officers had been found worthy in learning and character following the assessment.

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He charged the newly deployed commissioners to discharge their responsibilities with impartiality, professionalism and a strong commitment to the expectations of their respective offices.

The Anyichuks Campaign Office has criticised Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for failing to showcase any significant achievements of his administration during the Southeast presidential campaign flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women’s Mobilisation held at Okpara Square, Enugu, describing his remarks as another indication of the absence of tangible accomplishments to justify his four years in office.

The campaign office expressed disappointment that while the governors of Imo and Enugu states used the opportunity to reel out projects and development initiatives executed with their respective states’ resources and federal allocations, Governor Nwifuru chose to devote his speech to praising his Enugu counterpart, Governor Peter Mbah.

According to the campaign office, the contrast was particularly striking because the event provided an opportunity for the three governors to demonstrate what their respective administrations had achieved and how they had deployed public resources to improve the lives of their people.

“But when the microphone got to Governor Nwifuru, what did Ebonyi people hear? Instead of telling the audience what he has done with the enormous resources accruing to Ebonyi State, he chose to commend Governor Peter Mbah for his achievements in Enugu State.

“Why couldn’t he tell the gathering what he has done with Ebonyi people’s money? Why was he more interested in celebrating another governor’s achievements than presenting his own scorecard to the people he was elected to serve?” the campaign office queried.

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It recalled that Nwifuru, in his remarks, praised Governor Mbah for initiatives aimed at promoting unity, developing skills and introducing innovations to women, but offered no comparable account of what his administration had done to advance the welfare and economic fortunes of Ebonyi residents.

The campaign office said the governor’s decision to focus on another state’s achievements, rather than present his own administration’s record, was a missed opportunity that had further reinforced public concerns about his performance.

“It is particularly unfortunate that a governor who has spent almost four years in office could stand before an audience of political leaders and party faithful without identifying concrete achievements of his administration that ordinary Ebonyi people can relate to.

“Ebonyi people deserve more than political slogans, praise-singing and repeated appeals for votes. They deserve leadership that can point to measurable improvements in their living conditions, infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities.”

The campaign office further argued that Nwifuru’s remarks were symptomatic of what it described as an administration that had failed to add sufficient value to the lives of ordinary men and women in Ebonyi State.

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It said the governor’s appeal to women to support the APC and his declaration that the party had an open manifesto would mean little to citizens who, according to the campaign office, were more interested in the practical benefits of governance than political promises.

The office said the growing clamour for Anyichuks to emerge as Ebonyi State’s next governor was rooted in the people’s desire for a departure from what it described as years of disappointing leadership and unfulfilled expectations.

It maintained that Ebonyi could not afford another administration that would merely occupy the Government House without delivering meaningful improvements in the lives of its citizens.

“The growing support for Anyichuks is a reflection of the people’s hunger for a government that understands their struggles and is prepared to translate public resources into tangible benefits.

“Ebonyi people cannot continue to endure an administration that adds little or no value to the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. They want a government that will create opportunities, empower families, support businesses and ensure that the state’s resources work for the people.

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“Leadership is not about praising another governor for what he has accomplished. It is about being able to stand before your own people and account for what you have done with the mandate and resources entrusted to you.”

The campaign office therefore urged Ebonyi residents to look beyond party slogans and political endorsements and begin demanding accountability, measurable performance and leadership that places the welfare of the people above political interests.

It said Anyichuks represented the aspiration for a new direction in Ebonyi State, insisting that the state deserved leadership capable of converting its resources and enormous human potential into prosperity for its people.

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By Ugoo Aniagoh

From the restoration of electricity at the local government secretariat after 13 years to renewed road, water, sanitation and security initiatives, the Okakpu-led administration is setting its governance agenda in motion.

The administration of Hon. (Dr.) Ikechukwu Okakpu, popularly known as OKD Jnr, and his Deputy, Hon. Ifunanya Nwanadile, has recorded a number of developmental milestones as the duo mark their first 30 days in office as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Since assuming office on October 3, 2026, the administration has initiated interventions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, environmental sanitation, water supply, grassroots governance and community security.

One of the notable achievements recorded within the period is the restoration of electricity at the Njikoka Local Government Secretariat after 13 years without public power supply. The development marks a significant improvement in the working environment at the council headquarters and is expected to enhance administrative efficiency.

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In the area of water infrastructure, rehabilitation of pipe-borne water facilities across the local government has commenced, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving access to basic amenities.

The administration has also strengthened its governance structure through the appointment and inauguration of elected councillors, Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers to support grassroots representation, policy implementation and effective service delivery.

Environmental sanitation has received considerable attention, with over 100 ad-hoc workers engaged to support waste management, routine cleaning and general environmental sanitation across the local government.

On infrastructure development, the administration has commenced a Public-Community-Private Partnership (PCPP) road project along the Awovu–Osili axis in Enugwu Ukwu. An assessment of Ezi Norbert Road has also been conducted as part of efforts to identify infrastructure needs and explore possible interventions.

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Security has equally featured prominently in the administration’s first-month activities. Adopting a zero-tolerance stance towards insecurity, the council has mounted CCTV cameras at strategic locations to strengthen surveillance and improve security monitoring.

In a grassroots-driven security initiative, local traders and street operators have also been engaged as Community Safety Marshals. Equipped with walkie-talkies, the marshals are expected to serve as additional sources of community security intelligence, promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities.

These initiatives represent some of the administration’s early efforts to address longstanding challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained development across Njikoka’s six communities.

Speaking through its first-month performance record, the administration maintains that its focus remains on practical governance, improved public services, environmental responsibility, infrastructure development and a safer community.

Although the administration is still in its early days, its first 30 days have provided an indication of its immediate priorities and development direction.

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For residents of Njikoka, the expectation will now be to see these initial interventions translated into sustainable projects, measurable improvements and lasting impact across the local government.

Thirty days down, more work ahead. Njikoka First.